In an interview with the EDP, the Rt Revd Graham James describes the end to months of speculation as “a weight off my shoulders”, and explains he would have been reluctant to leave Norfolk had he been given the job.

The Rt Revd Justin Welby was today named as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, and the successor to Rowan Wiliams.

Bishop James said: “I am delighted at the appointment of Bishop Welby. I know Justin pretty well and I hope he feels the leap of joy that would have been missing had I been appointed.”